Newbie handyman here - lost $400 on a simple door install job in rural Ohio

Just started out as a handyman last month and took on this door replacement gig in rural Ohio, quoted the guy $400 flat rate thinking it'd be quick with my DeWalt cordless drill and some basic shims. Turns out the frame was all warped from years of neglect, ended up spending three hours fighting it and still had to call in a buddy for advice on the hinge alignment. Man, wish I'd known to inspect closer before agreeing - now I'm out the time and barely broke even after materials. Anyone else got stories like this?

Damn, that sucks - I remember my first few jobs as a handyman, every single one had some hidden crap like that frame issue turning a one-hour gig into a full day nightmare. Lost a ton of money early on before I started charging for inspections upfront.

Warped frames are the worst, but don't beat yourself up newbie - that's how we all learn the hard way in this trade.